Financial Advocate

Advocate Aurora Health • Hazel Crest, IL

270d • $22 - $33

About The Position

The Financial Advocate position at Advocate South Suburban Hospital involves calculating and providing patients with personalized estimates of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage prior to service. The role requires clear communication of patient liability, explaining concepts such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, and how they affect the cost of care. The Financial Advocate will also request upfront payments, establish payment arrangements, and interview uninsured patients to assess their financial needs. The position requires collaboration with state social workers and outside eligibility vendors to assist in Medicaid applications and ensure funding sources are maximized. The advocate must stay informed about insurance benefits, government funding regulations, and internal charity care policies while performing duties in a HIPAA-compliant manner.

Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent (GED or HSED).
• Typically requires 2 years of experience in Patient Access, healthcare, insurance industry, or customer service.
• Ability to communicate clearly and proactively about customer service issues.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and EMTALA regulations as they relate to patient interactions.
• Solid knowledge of insurance operations related to denials and appeals processes.
• Basic medical coding knowledge.
• Understanding of insurances, billing, and denials.
• Ability to document in patients' accounts using scripted notes and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Calculates and provides patients with personalized estimates of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage prior to service.
• Communicates patient liability clearly and accurately while explaining deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
• Requests upfront payment toward self-pay amounts and establishes payment arrangements in advance of scheduled services.
• Interviews uninsured patients to assess for qualifying financial needs and coordinates with them to complete paperwork for assistance programs.
• Initiates credit scoring to determine eligibility for Medicaid and other funding sources.
• Works with state social workers and outside vendors to assist in Medicaid applications.
• Educates patients and physician offices on financial assistance policies and patient financial responsibility.
• Stays current on regulations and eligibility requirements for government funding, especially Medicare and Medicaid.
• Collaborates with peers in the operational flow for uninsured patients or those concerned about costs.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match.
• Educational Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: High school or GED